Bribery? Or clever reward system?

I mentioned that Moose is having a hard time adjusting to the changes of the deployment.  It has really hindered my ability to work or be a good parent.  I had to think of something, and F-A-S-T!  As noted, I have a really tiny tolerance for disobedience, and I was born without patience, which is why I am so fortunate that my daughter is (most of the time) a perfectly well-behaved child.

After a disaster night earlier in the week, I knew I couldn't handle a repeat performance.  On the fly, an idea came to me. I didn't care if it was a bad idea, or a brilliant one, so long as it WORKED! I told Moose that I was going to make her a calendar, and every day that was a "good" day, she'd get a heart.  At the end of the month, if she has more hearts than sad faces, we'll go to Disneyland.  Well, that got her attention.  I printed out a darling little printable I found at Anything but Perfect (what an appropriate name, right?) and gave her the sad little frowny face for her bad day the day before, and a heart for her good day.  I felt a little guilty, like I was buying her cooperation, but quickly my mommy friends on Facebook reminded me that she is earning this trip. OK, sure. I'll go with that.  (I still feel like it's a bribe.)

Now we are at the 5th day of the month, and we still have only one sad face, and now 3 hearts.  Sure, it's taken a LOT of reminders that she needs to listen and behave, or she'll lose her hearts, but it seems to be getting through.  We even designated the 29th as our "day off work and school" so we can go to Disneyland. The best thing about this is that the last three nights, she has gone to bed, at a decent hour, without a fight. Usually this kid is up until 10 or later, and then it's a struggle. She wants to sleep with me. She wants me to read to her (a minimum of 5 books). She wants me to lay down in her bed.  Finally, I have gotten some of my me time back.  Even if I'm only going to bed myself at 8 p.m.  This single parenting stuff is exhausting!

Here's a look at our calendar.  You can download the printables for the entire year at Anything but Perfect. They are adorable and just right to catch a little one's eye.  (Somehow, I don't think the calendar template from Microsoft Office would have had the same impact on Moose.)  Wish us luck!!